Nataliakulikite is a rare calcium titanium phosphate mineral discovered in the pyrometamorphic rocks of the Hatrurim Formation. It typically occurs as small tabular crystals associated with other rare high-temperature minerals formed during combustion metamorphism.
Is this nataliakulikite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch nataliakulikite with a known reference. Nataliakulikite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Nataliakulikite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Nataliakulikite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often found alongside nataliakulikite
Minerals reported to co-occur with nataliakulikite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₄Ti₂(PO₄)₂O₇
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 2.81 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Pyrometamorphic Rocks of The Hatrurim Formation
- Typical price
- n/a
Where rockhounds find nataliakulikite
Classic worldwide localities
- Hatrurim Formation, Israel
Field-hunting tip
Look in pyrometamorphic rocks of the hatrurim formation country — that is the host setting where nataliakulikite typically forms. If you start seeing fluorapatite, brownmillerite, gehlenite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find nataliakulikite on the map
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